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Summer beckons – that magical time when routines relax and possibilities unfold like wildflowers. But how do we make these precious months truly matter?

Instead of approaching summer with the typical achievement-oriented mindset that dominates the rest of our year, what if we shifted our focus to growth? Not the kind measured in completed checklists or Pinterest-worthy activities, but genuine expansion in relationships, rest, adventure, and joy.

That's exactly what I'm exploring in this final episode before our summer podcast pause. I'm sharing my own summer intentions, challenging the anxiety-producing "18 summers" mantra that haunts parents, and offering practical ways to cultivate meaningful moments without the pressure of perfection.

For those who thrive on structure, I've included practical frameworks like themed days and helpful resources in the show notes. For free spirits, there's permission to embrace spontaneity and the simple art of saying "yes" more often when our children invite us into their worlds.

From yard games that create hilarious family memories to intentional digital detoxing that allows us to be truly present, this episode is filled with attainable ways to make this summer one of connection rather than accomplishment.

When September arrives and we return with fresh episodes, I hope you'll have spent these months growing, resting, adventuring, and savoring the relationships that matter most. Because ultimately, that's what makes a summer that truly matters. Join me in embracing this pause, friends – I'll be waiting with new conversations, insights, and interviews when we return.

Printable Resources:

Printable Summer Bucketlist:

https://sunriseelementarycounseling.weebly.com/blog/summer-bucket-list4977644

Printable Summer Goals:

https://writtenreality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/free-summer-activities-chart-goals.pdf

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17yNYnbDAFhRE5x_nHO8wG1u8LP9zY9jD/view

Printable Weekly Summary:

https://www.unoriginalmom.com/free-printable-weekly-summer-activity-plan/

Printable Five Goals:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/71916925287715966

Resources For A Great Summer:

https://www.thebettermom.com/summer-with-kids

Book Resources:

A Million Tiny Moments: Refections to Refresh a Mom's Spirit:

https://amzn.to/43cByT6

Homegrown Disciples: Parenting Rythmnsfor Drawing Your Kids Into Life With God:

https://amzn.to/44J4FOX

From Grouchy to Great - Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood

https://amzn.to/45myYLw

Pressing Pause- 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with God:

https://amzn.to/4jjWkot

Risen Motherhood - Gospel Hope for Everyday:

https://amzn.to/3H39ngB

https://amzn.to/3SOgNXy (beautiful deluxe edition)

Gospel Moms - How to Make Biblical Decisions and Discover the Mom Go God Created You to Be:

https://amzn.to/4dqnSqO

Habits of the Household:

https://amzn.to/438lFNh

The Flourishing Family: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Parenting with Peace and Purpose:

https://amzn.to/3GZkpDI

Fun Yard Games:

Kubb:

https://amzn.to/3SJSXwa

Crossnet:

https://amzn.to/3SJSXwa

SpikeBall:

https://amzn.to/4dCfm8s

Yard Dice:

https://amzn.to/3GZmFea

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Lamoris and Megan Crawford return for a candid, humorous, and deeply insightful conversation about keeping the spark alive in marriage through busy seasons, kids, and ministry demands.

The Crawfords don't hold back as they share their family hierarchy—God first, spouse second, kids third, then ministry—and how this ordering has sustained their relationship for almost two decades. "We found that as kids exit the homes, the spouses didn't stay connected," Lamoris explains, highlighting why prioritizing your marriage isn't selfish but essential.

Things get particularly interesting (and yes, a bit spicy!) when they discuss their innovative "package system" for communicating intimate expectations. Their honest approach to the different ways men and women experience connection creates both laugh-out-loud moments and profound realizations about meeting each other's needs.

For couples struggling or feeling their marriage hanging by a thread, the Crawfords offer transformative wisdom about agape love. "Most of us don't understand the kind of love that God loves us with," Megan shares, challenging listeners to exhaust themselves in loving their spouse before considering other options.

Whether you're newly married or decades in, this conversation delivers practical tools, spiritual insights, and the permission to laugh at the beautiful mess that is marriage. You'll walk away with strategies for communication, intimacy, and remembering why you fell in love in the first place. Their journey from Cincinnati to their new role as chaplains for the Carolina Panthers shows how a marriage centered on covenant can impact not just a family but entire communities.

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From the projects of Chicago to the cornfields of rural America, Lamoris and Megan Crawford's love story defies cultural expectations while illuminating the transformative power of covenant marriage. Their journey began at Olivet Nazarene University where two worlds collided – his marked by inner-city hardship and her steeped in traditional religious values that initially rejected their relationship.

What makes their story extraordinary isn't just their diverse backgrounds, but their unwavering commitment to honor God's process. For three and a half years, Lamoris faithfully called Megan's father asking permission to date his daughter, receiving "no" after "no" until a divinely orchestrated breakthrough. The moment Megan's father tearfully asked forgiveness for his racism and acknowledged Lamoris's Christlike character became the foundation for not just their relationship, but a generational healing that continues today.

The Crawfords now lead Covenant Culture, a marriage ministry born from their experiences as NFL chaplains with the Cincinnati Bengals. They challenge the prevailing contract mentality of modern relationships with a profound truth: "You die to get in and you die to get out." Their teaching that "God created marriage to make us holy, not happy" reframes the entire purpose of matrimony, revealing how true happiness emerges from obedience rather than self-fulfillment.

Drawing on their powerful personal testimony and ministry experience, the Crawfords identify pride as the root of most marital struggles – whether manifesting as superiority or self-pity. Their story demonstrates how patient obedience to God's process can transform not just a relationship, but entire family legacies, breaking cycles of racism and establishing new foundations of faith.

Don't miss part two next week where we'll explore more marriage wisdom and some lighter moments as the Crawfords answer some spicy questions! If their story has touched you, please share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing about the power of covenant marriage.

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